by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
August 31, 2025
Black girls gamers persevering with to take the principle stage on the US Open.
With the US Open fascinating New York and the worldwide sports activities world, one factor everybody appears to be serving up is Black Woman Magic.
As former US Open champs and sisterly rivals Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff put together to face one another but once more on Sept. 1, Black girls have taken middle court docket on the tennis competitors. The second additionally comes because the US Open paid tribute to Althea Gibson, one of many first Black girls to interrupt the colour boundaries in tennis.
A two-week celebration marked “75 Years of Breaking Obstacles” highlighted Gibson’s enduring legacy for Black girls tennis gamers. The honour included a efficiency by the marching band of Gibson’s alma mater, Florida A&M College, in addition to brief movies narrated by Venus Williams.
Following Gibson’s footsteps, main Black girls tennis gamers have entered the match, corresponding to Gauff, Osaka, Williams, and Taylor Townsend. Rightfully so, they’re reclaiming their crowns as legends and formidable opponents, whereas stopping any misogynoir in its tracks.
Townsend made headlines after checking opponent Jelena Ostapenko who made offensive feedback towards her after profitable. Her fellow Black gamers additionally caught up for her, with Osaka noting at a press convention that Ostapenko’s feedback had been “one of many worst” remarks you possibly can say to a Black participant.
Support Greater and Subscribe to view content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
